Barnyard Grass (2)
Barnyard Grasses grow in moist, disturbed soil by roadsides, ditches, ponds and cultivated fields. The lower part of the stems may be maroon or purplish. The leaves are flat and wide with a prominent white mid-rib which can also be purplish. Where the leaf meets the stem there are no hairs or membrane. This is unique to the Echinocholoa genus amongst grasses. The seed heads are compact before spreading out.
Barnyard Grass
Echinochloa crus-galli
Family:
Grass (Poaceae)
AKA:
Cockspur
Photo taken on:
August 19, 2014
Location:
Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM
Life Zones:
Plains and foothills
Habitat:
Disturbed soil, gardens, moist areas
Grows to 5ft tall with a smooth, stout stem and tight clusters of purplish-green seed heads.
Rough Barnyard Grass
Echinochloa muricata var. microstachya
Family:
Grass (Poaceae)
AKA:
Photo taken on:
August 3, 2012
Location:
Rio Chama Recreation Area, NM
Life Zones:
Plains and foothills
Habitat:
Disturbed, moist areas
Grows to 5ft. Very similar to E. crus-galli above but distinguished by having no bristles on the seed heads. Flowers are purple or purple-streaked. There is also a distinct U shape on the leaf where it meets the stem (bottom right in photo).